LIGHT GUAGE METAL FRAMING
Light gauge steel frames, or LGS, are a significant advancement in construction. They provide strength, flexibility, efficiency, sustainability, and safety. As more people seek eco-friendly and innovative building options. LGS is becoming the go-to choice for building homes, commercial spaces, and industrial facilities. They are raising the bar for quality and performance in construction today. This steel is shaped through a cold forming process, where long, thin sheets are rolled into strong “C” shapes that can support heavy loads. These shapes can be customized and bent to meet different architectural needs. Dekr Light Gauge Steel comes in pre-galvanized coils that are coated with zinc to prevent rust.
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Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Light gauge steel frames are a great choice for green building. The steel is usually recyclable, which helps lower the environmental impact of construction.
Resilience and Safety
These frames are very fire-resistant and are not easily damaged by pests, mould, or rot. This makes them a safe and healthy option for buildings, and their strong materials and design ensure long-term durability.
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Strength and Durability
Light gauge steel frames are made from thin steel sheets that are carefully shaped into strong forms. The cold-forming process keeps the steel strong, making frames that can handle heavy loads and tough weather and last a long time. This strength makes light gauge steel a great choice for many types of construction, including:
- Homes
- Commercial Buildings
- Industrial Sites
Efficiency in Construction
Light gauge steel frames help by being quick to assemble on-site, cutting down on both construction time and labor costs. They also resist problems like warping and cracking, helping keep projects on track and within budget.
Versatility in Design
Light gauge steel frames are very flexible in design. They can be customized to fit specific architectural needs, allowing for unique shapes and complex designs. This makes it easy for architects and builders to create open floor plans, large windows, and other design features.
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Light/ Gage Steel Framing Trade
Light gauge steel framing is becoming very popular for several reasons. It uses lightweight steel sections shaped at room temperature to create the structural support for buildings. The way light gauge steel framing works is similar to wood framing. It involves using parts like
- Studs
- Beams
- Headers
- Joists
- Rafters
These steel sections can be used for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. While there can be some safety issues during construction, these are manageable on-site. Experts favour light gauge steel framing for its design flexibility and cost savings. It allows for longer spans, attractive façades, curved walls, and custom shapes, which many homeowners appreciate. However, light gauge steel can corrode and needs protection from fire. Manufacturers address these issues by coating the steel with zinc, aluminum, or both.
General Steel Framing Estimating Process
With light gauge steel framing on the rise, contractors have plenty of opportunities to succeed in the business. The market is growing but competitive, so to win contracts, you need to bid smartly and provide accurate estimates.
Many companies lose profits due to miscalculations in their estimates for light gauge steel framing. Different labor rates and framing types add complexity, so it’s important to use your skills and knowledge of the industry to make accurate and realistic estimates. Here are some tips to help you get it right.
Labor Factors
When estimating, it's important to consider the labor involved based on the complexity of the job. Different tasks, like cutting, assembling, and setting up, can vary in speed depending on the specifics of the job. For example, with curtain walls, the installation of studs and tracks depends on their gauge and height. You also need to account for additional labour for things like windows, air conditioning sleeves, and doors.
Drawings
As a metal framing contractor, you usually get only architectural and structural drawings when bidding. These drawings don’t show exact measurements, connection details, or spacing. To make a precise bid, you need to create detailed sketches based on these drawings. It’s important to include the costs for these extra drawings and engineering calculations in your bid to avoid guesswork and bid confidently.
Bidding for Light Gauge Metal Framing Jobs
When putting together a bid for a commercial or residential project, you’ll need to include:
- Drywall
- Metal framing
- Plaster systems
- Acoustical ceiling
- Direct-to-steel fireproofing
- Exterior insulation and finishing systems
Estimating metal framing can be tricky for contractors, often leading to guesswork that results in cost overruns and lower profit margins.
Methods for Estimating Light Gauge Metal Framing Jobs
Metal framing is quite different from drywall and plaster work. Drywall contractors usually bid based on the number of pieces or square feet, and their estimates follow this method. When comparing bids from different companies, you’ll find that their overall quantities for materials and labour are often similar, with only small differences.
Per Square Foot Method
Another way to bid is by the square foot. This method can work well because it measures the area you’ll be framing, including walls, tracks, and studs. However, you still need to estimate labour rates, which can be tricky.
There are also issues when you need to change materials. For example, labour rates for installing 25-gauge studs are different from those for 20-gauge studs. You’ll also face challenges with mixed materials, like using a 20-gauge track with 25-gauge studs or with special cases like high walls or walls needing extra support.
Per Linear Foot Method
For metal framing, some companies estimate and bid by the linear foot, while others use area-based estimates. Estimating by linear foot has some advantages, as it directly relates the amount of material used to the labour needed for installation. This method works well for understanding material and labour needs.
However, this approach doesn’t account for different conditions, such as using channel iron for different purposes (like wall support versus ceiling support). It also doesn’t address the extra time needed for small, complex areas, like soffits, which involve more cutting and installation despite using a small amount of material.
Linear Foot or Square Foot – Condition Method
The easiest way to estimate and bid on metal framing jobs is using the linear foot or square foot method based on the type of condition. This approach simplifies measuring and pricing the work. First, make a list of all the partition types and note their different requirements. Measure the length and height of each partition type to calculate the area.
For example, if Partition A uses 2”x4” studs spaced 16” apart with drywall on both sides, and Partition B uses 2”x6” studs with insulation and drywall on one side, calculate each partition type separately. Don’t forget to include any additional components needed for each type in your pricing.
What Does Dekr Estimation Light Gauge Metal Framing Covers?
At Dekr, we provide accurate and professional metal framing estimates for all types of projects. Whether you're a retailer, framer, fabricator, or installer, our services offer detailed and reliable data to support your work. Our team is ready to help you with all your framing needs. We offer metal framing takeoff services, and metal framing estimates typically include the following:
- Material Lists
- Cost Estimation
- Custom Fabrication Details
- Measurement and Quantity Calculation
Metal Framing Takeoff Services
We understand that every construction project has its own challenges. We work with a wide range of professionals, including lumberyards, home centers, carpenters, wholesalers, general contractors, architects, designers, fabricators, builders, installers, and metal framing contractors.
Builders: Builders use our detailed estimates to get precise projections for framing costs, materials, and labour. This helps with planning, budgeting, and keeping projects on track and within budget.
Retailers: Retailers use our accurate estimates to manage inventory and help customers with project cost advice.
Framers: Framers depend on our detailed lists and cost estimates for materials to ensure their projects run smoothly and profitably.
Installers: Installers benefit from our breakdowns of materials and labor costs, which helps them stay on schedule and manage their budgets.
Type of Framing Projects
Our framing takeoff services cover a wide range of projects, including:
Residential Homes: Accurate estimates for everything from single-family houses to apartment buildings.
Commercial Buildings: Precise framing estimates for offices, retail spaces, and hotels.
Custom Projects: Tailored estimates for unique or special constructions, like custom homes and architectural landmarks.
Renovations and Extensions: Clear estimates for adding to or modifying existing buildings.
Industrial Structures: Detailed estimates for large projects like warehouses and factories that need strong framing solutions.
Dekr Uses Planswift Software for Digital Takeoffs
Given all the factors involved in estimating steel framing, using manual methods can be challenging. Instead, you can use top construction estimating software like Planswift.
Planswift includes features for steel framing estimates, making the process faster and more accurate. This way, you get quick and precise estimates, helping ensure the success of your steel framing business.
Dekr’s Metal Framing Estimating Services
In metal framing takeoff services, metal stud framing stands out for its durability, efficiency, and precision. Our team provides detailed estimates from start to finish to ensure your project runs smoothly.
How We Estimate Metal Stud Framing
We carefully review your project blueprints, understand the unique needs of each design, and use advanced software to give you accurate estimates for any size project.
What We Provide
Our estimates include precise material lists and labour costs, helping contractors bid confidently and manage their projects effectively.
Our Expertise
With our deep knowledge of metal framing, we offer valuable insights and accurate estimates for both commercial and residential projects. Choose us to experience the difference that expert precision can make.
Dekr Estimation provides Light Guage estimation services in United States. In the US, we serve in the following markets: Illinois, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Minnesota, Colorado, Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Alabama, Washington, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Virginia, Oregon, Nebraska, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Minnesota Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Utah, Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio, Wisconsin, Vermont, Hawaii.